Jewelry and Metals
The jewelry-making classes taught in our Metals Department include the traditional focus on technique and materials, as well as contemporary considerations of concept, design, and experimentation.
Materials List
Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.
Class details (meeting times, tuition, etc.) are listed below.
View Materials List Class Guidelines
Metals Supplies Notes
Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for specific supply list.
Metals Open Studio
Limited open studio time for students to practice will be determined at the beginning of each term; dates and times will be discussed in class and posted. Students should be respectful to monitors and observe all studio policies and practices. Open studio is intended for students to practice techniques and projects covered in class; production purposes or outside work is not allowed.
Registration Information
Classes are open-enrollment to the community. Class registration is a simple process. Read 'How to Register' below to get started. Click here to view all registration policies and guidelines, including information on payments, class withdraws and cancellations, refunds, and more.
- Click the 'Register Now' button below to begin the registration process. If registration is open and you do not see a 'Register Now' button, please refresh your browser.
- Click onto 'Sign In' at the top right side of the page.
- To sign in, enter your user name and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one quickly by specifying a user name, password, and email address.
- Navigate to your desired course. Click the 'Add to Cart' button associated with the course.
- After completing the registration process and remitting payment, you will receive an email containing your registration confirmation.
Registration - Friends
Registration is closed. To become a Friend, view benefit levels or sign-up to receive notification.
Opens December 3
9:00am
Registration - Community
Registration is closed. Fill out the sign-up form to recieve notification when registration opens.
Opens December 10
9:00am
Jewelry & Metals Classes - Spring 2025
Course Description
What does it take to make a ring? Construction of handmade rings will be the focus of this two-day course in metal. Students will be introduced to the basic techniques of working with non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, and silver), basic hand tools, forging, forming, silver-soldering using a torch, surface embellishment, and finishing techniques. In two days, students should expect to walk away with at least two finished projects. NOTE: Bilingual instruction is available. Includes a materials kit for projects covered in class; see *METALS NOTE.
Course Description
Learn the fundamental techniques and tools used to create unique jewelry and small metal sculptures as you work through a series of projects focused not only on technique, but also on encouraging individual expression. Techniques covered will include sawing, basic forming, surface textures, silver-soldering, riveting, ring-making, and surface finishes. NOTE: Bilingual instruction is available. Tool kits and some supplies included; see *METALS NOTE and website for a materials list and links to sources.
Course Description
Explore this ancient process of casting metal to create unique and individualized jewelry-scale objects in bronze or silver. The class will focus on carving a basic ring to run everyone through the entire process, and if time allows students can work on a additional project. Class demonstrations will include wax model-making, simple casting molds, sprue attachment (or preparing the wax model for casting), wax burn out, and casting the molten metal as well as surface finishing. Materials will be discussed at the first class. See Metals Notes.
Course Description
This class explores simple means of jewelry construction using metal wire as the main means of fabricating wearable pieces; no torchwork required and simple forming makes it a great approach for any home practice. Students will gain an understanding of working and manipulating different gauges (thicknesses) of wire, how wire can be utilized to create loops for chains, wrap beads for inclusions, as well as other forming means and basic forging techniques to create necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Students will be encouraged to bring in gathered trinkets, old jewelry, beads, and other items to incorporate in projects.
Course Description
Expand your skills and knowledge of working with beads and various forms of jewelry assembly. A variety of techniques for creating multi-strand and layered pieces will be covered along with different means of finishing ends and types of closures. Design principles will be discussed with consideration of both aesthetic sensibility and functionality as students design their own pieces. Students can anticipate finishing several projects. Prerequisite: Students should have had previous instruction or experience with bead stringing and assembly work. Includes some supplies; please see website for materials list.
Course Description
Expand your skills and knowledge of working with beads and various forms of jewelry assembly. A variety of techniques for creating multi-strand and layered pieces will be covered along with different means of finishing ends and types of closures. Design principles will be discussed with consideration of both aesthetic sensibility and functionality as students design their own pieces. Students can anticipate finishing several projects. Prerequisite: Students should have had previous instruction or experience with bead stringing and assembly work. Includes some supplies; please see website for materials list.
Course Description
For the advanced student wishing to pursue a new or continued topic of metalworking and/or jewelry-making or to create a small body of work. Although projects are self-directed, the instructor will work with each student to assist with design, aesthetic, and/or technical decisions. Prerequisite: Students must contact Jill Sortore at jillian. sortore@jo-maps.com for prior approval before registering and should have successfully completed of at least three metals courses or equivalent intermediate metals experience. See *METALS NOTES.
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